Two Moms Harvest Hope With 5K for PWS Research

While most of us will be relaxing on Thanksgiving Day, watching football or entertaining family, Rachael Fischer and Julie Foge will rise before the sun to host the Harvesting Hope 5K run.

This will be the third year in a row that these two amazing, determined women will host this family-focused event — which also includes a 1K — to raise funds for PWS research.

Rachael and Julie began to explore an opportunity to raise awareness in their fight against Prader-Willi syndrome shortly after their children were diagnosed with PWS. Rachael is mom to Jude, age 5, and Julie is mom to Eliza, age 3. Both women wanted to give their children the opportunity to participate in a local, fitness-focused tradition on Thanksgiving Day with other children and families in their community. They also wanted to build awareness of PWS and the research needed to find effective treatments. A 5K for PWS research seemed like the perfect way to do both of those things at once.

Families Give Thanks and Give Back

The Harvesting Hope 5K takes place in Stapleton, Colorado. The course will take runners (and walkers) through the beautiful paths surrounding Central Park in the Stapleton neighborhood. Kids aged 10 and under are invited to participate in a free 1K fun run, and strollers are welcome on the course. Registration includes a t-shirt, swag bag, and timed results along with free entertainment. Many families have been participating together every year as part of their tradition of giving thanks and giving back!

Last year’s event drew over 850 participants from over 15 states and raised an incredible $50,000 for PWS research.

FPWR is so grateful to these incredible event hosts, their families, and supporters for creating such an incredible annual event. It's thanks to our volunteer PWS advocates and fundraisers that we're able to spread the FPWR mission and vision and help people living with PWS lead fuller, more independent lives.

Jacqueline Mizon

Jacqueline joined FPWR in January 2016 and has over 8 years of fundraising and event management experience. Jacqueline is a graduate of California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in Communication Studies. As the Director of National Events, she oversees the expansion and successful execution of major events in support of the organization’s fundraising goals.

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Our Mission

The mission of FPWR is to eliminate the challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome through the advancement of research. High-quality research will lead to more effective treatments and an eventual cure for this disorder. By working together, we intend to free our loved ones from the burdens of PWS, allowing them to lead full and independent lives.